1. Colored Halo Stains with Sharp Contours

  • Problem: Deposits or organic substances.
  • Possible Cause: Residue left on instruments after use.
  • Solution: Rinse instruments thoroughly and immediately in distilled or demineralized water after use.

2. Colored Halo Stains Without Sharp Contours

  • Problem: Metal deposits.
  • Possible Cause: Presence of iron, copper, manganese, or other metals in flushing water or steam.
  • Solution: Use distilled or demineralized water for cleaning and sterilization.

3. Whitish Stains

  • Problem: Phosphate deposits.
  • Possible Cause: Improper cleaning solution composition.
  • Solution: Check and adjust the composition of the cleaning solution.

4. Yellow to Dark Brown Colors

  • Problem: Residue deposits.
  • Possible Cause: Old or ineffective cleaning solutions, or improperly cleaned instruments.
  • Solution: Change cleaning baths after each use and rinse instruments immediately in distilled or demineralized water.

5. Black Stains

  • Problem: Caustic reaction.
  • Possible Cause: Use of detergent with a low pH (6 or less).
  • Solution: Use a neutral pH detergent to prevent corrosion.

6. Bluish-Blackish Stains

  • Problem: Metallic coating or plating.
  • Possible Cause: Mixing different metal types during sterilization (e.g., stainless steel with silver or chrome).
  • Solution: Sterilize only similar metal instruments together to avoid contamination.

7. Multi-Colored Stains

  • Problem: Excess heat (Chromatic Oxide).
  • Possible Cause: Incorrect autoclave settings or malfunction, leading to overheating.
  • Solution: Adjust and maintain the proper autoclave temperature to preserve instrument properties like strength and hardness.